Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

PF_Flyer

stever said:

We have company right now. Our Taos friends' older Subaru is throwing a check engine light. Our Texas friend connected his phone to the OBDII and his app grabbed the codes. Could be a bad gas cap since it is an older car unless it's something else related to the evap system. His app unfortunately cannot reset the CEL. I think some cars are already able to do all this just by tabbing through the dashboard screens.

Always keep CEL Reset Tape handy

stever

It's only been on a year, and it's a seasonal vehicle. The kludge right now is a business card hiding it.

Mr_Shiftright

Yes, but don't do that if it's blinking!

houdini1

bwia said:

The C300 4matic interior looks very appealing except for the 8" screen which is perched too high on the dash in my opinion. This model is selling well so discounts might be skinny.

Unless the CTS truly disgusts you like an ex-wife, it sounds like a  keeper to me. Happy driving and while you are it buy a few shares of GM stock 

I saw a new C class at the mall a couple of days ago. I like the looks...but it is a tiny car.

oldfarmer50

PF_Flyer said:

stever said:

We have company right now. Our Taos friends' older Subaru is throwing a check engine light. Our Texas friend connected his phone to the OBDII and his app grabbed the codes. Could be a bad gas cap since it is an older car unless it's something else related to the evap system. His app unfortunately cannot reset the CEL. I think some cars are already able to do all this just by tabbing through the dashboard screens.

Always keep CEL Reset Tape handy

I know that the Craigslist car scammers are rumored to have devices that make the CEL light go off until you drive the car for a few days. Maybe buy one of those gizmos.

roadburner

Most OBD2 scanners can clear a code; the trick is keeping the light off. Some fixes are relatively simple(spark plug anti-foulers installed on the downstream 02 sensors), some are not...

carnaught

GG, with a '16 CTS as a comparison, I think it's going to be hard to find something that compares to it's look, luxury and performance at the Lexus store.  I think, like the 535 Bimmer, you'll be underwhelmed.  You'll find the IS quite small.  

abacomike

@graphicguy:

With the 2017 E Class due out in a few months, there are some tremendous incentives on the 2016.  The incentives are also bolstered by additional trunk money.  If you have access to any fleet discounts like Morgan-Stanley, USAA, etc., it could be interesting.

However, you own a 2016 CTS that is performing well above expectations.  If you remember, I suggested driving the CTS for several months before pulling the trigger, which you have and, as a result, you are quite pleased with this car.  Why go from a 2016 luxury car to another 2016 luxury car and have to spend money besides the trade value?  For a 2017, maybe worth it, but not for another 2016.

There, I offered my expertise in new car buying - don't do as I do, do as I say!  

nyccarguy

@abacomike - $3,500 USAA plus $3,000 in Trunk money could make for a very attractive price on a nicely equipped E350 Sport 4Matic if one were in the market.

driver100

bwia said:

The C300 4matic interior looks very appealing except for the 8" screen which is perched too high on the dash in my opinion. This model is selling well so discounts might be skinny.

Unless the CTS truly disgusts you like an ex-wife, it sounds like a  keeper to me. Happy driving and while you are it buy a few shares of GM stock 

C300 is a great looking car and a beautiful interior. But, I agree, I don't get those GPS's that stick right up in your line of vision.






Mike has a good idea in trying a 2016 E400. They may give good prices since the 2017s are completely different.

The 2016 Cadillac should get a lot more for it than the 2014 model. First year of depreciation is supposed to be 15%, but that must be if sold privately. 10% a year after, so trading now wouldn't be a huge loss.

The 2016 CTS sounds very good....the problem could be if it needs warranty work done on it....and the issue of trust. We ditched the Audi and I would guess the cost of the repair, about $1200 was less than the depreciation hit we would take if we traded it in today.

graphicguy

Yeah....my company has some sort of special deal with Mercedes because we are a technology provider to them. So, can probably duplicate the E Class deals you guys mentioned, might even do a smidgeon better.

oldfarmer50

carnaught said:

GG, with a '16 CTS as a comparison, I think it's going to be hard to find something that compares to it's look, luxury and performance at the Lexus store.  I think, like the 535 Bimmer, you'll be underwhelmed.  You'll find the IS quite small.  

Yes, the IS 350 I drove was pretty small. For the price I'd want something the size of a Grand Marquis.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

GG, with a '16 CTS as a comparison, I think it's going to be hard to find something that compares to it's look, luxury and performance at the Lexus store.  I think, like the 535 Bimmer, you'll be underwhelmed.  You'll find the IS quite small.  

Yes, the IS 350 I drove was pretty small. For the price I'd want something the size of a Grand Marquis.

The only car at Lexus with a good size for comfort is the GS350.  I had one and was very disappointed with Lexus consumer affairs - also 304 hp is a bit underpowered for that sized car.  Should have 330+.  I found the styling too mundane for my tastes.

To find a car that is equivalent in technology, styling, ride and handling to the CTS, one would have to look at MB, BMW, IMHO.  

ab348

The other day I saw a new C300 parked at the curb. I had viewed and sat in one at the dealer here last year but this was the first time I had seen one in profile from some distance away. It struck me that the "cab" is set way, way back, making an exaggerated long hood/short deck look. Don't know why it needs such a long hood and it makes me wonder about rear seat and trunk room.

driver100

ab348 said:

The other day I saw a new C300 parked at the curb. I had viewed and sat in one at the dealer here last year but this was the first time I had seen one in profile from some distance away. It struck me that the "cab" is set way, way back, making an exaggerated long hood/short deck look. Don't know why it needs such a long hood and it makes me wonder about rear seat and trunk room.

Just a way out opinion but I like that long hood and shorter trunk. I think it is partly to make room for a straight 6 engine in the bmw, and it makes the car feel more balanced when driving it. Our Passat has a shorter hood but an extra large rear seat and pretty large trunk.

The space inside my MB E400 seems pretty spacious, and the trunk is very large. They could have made more room by shortening the hood, but the car would lose balance and handling.........it would feel like you are driving a van. I always prefer a car with a long hood...that's the way cars should be.

BTW....it seems to me the ATS and CTS have fairly long hoods and short rear decks.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

ab348 said:

The other day I saw a new C300 parked at the curb. I had viewed and sat in one at the dealer here last year but this was the first time I had seen one in profile from some distance away. It struck me that the "cab" is set way, way back, making an exaggerated long hood/short deck look. Don't know why it needs such a long hood and it makes me wonder about rear seat and trunk room.

Just a way out opinion but I like that long hood and shorter trunk. I think it is partly to make room for a straight 6 engine in the bmw, and it makes the car feel more balanced when driving it. Our Passat has a shorter hood but an extra large rear seat and pretty large trunk.

The space inside my MB E400 seems pretty spacious, and the trunk is very large. They could have made more room by shortening the hood, but the car would lose balance and handling.........it would feel like you are driving a van. I always prefer a car with a long hood...that's the way cars should be.

BTW....it seems to me the ATS and CTS have fairly long hoods and short rear decks.

Perceptions are a funny thing. Having grown up with aircraft carrier sized hoods it felt funny driving those "new fangled" cars with a sharply sloping hood. Then recently getting a car with a long hood felt wrong.

driver100

Perceptions are a funny thing. Having grown up with aircraft carrier sized hoods it felt funny driving those "new fangled" cars with a sharply sloping hood. Then recently getting a car with a long hood felt wrong.

A car doesn't have to be practical. Some cars are very practical and that may suit the owners needs. Sometimes you want a car that isn't practical - it is made for fun. A Mustang would make no sense at all to someone who wants to be practical....that's why the make mini vans and Corollas.

I have driven vans and cars that don't have a hood and I don't like the feeling....I feel like I am driving a bus.
Now this is what you call a long hood:




Once I got a rental car and I got upgraded to one of these. You feel on top of the world driving at the time, driving a big Caddie with that huge long hood;

driver100

I was passed the other day by a Camaro with the black package (he was going about 70 in a 50 zone...I caught up to him at the next light)

I don't know...that all black on a Camaro didn't do much for me;


If I was going that route, I'd rather have this one:

driver100

Maybe all the pictures I am posting is what makes loading the page take so long

abacomike

driver100 said:

Maybe all the pictures I am posting is what makes loading the page take so long

Ya think?  

roadburner

driver100 said:

I was passed the other day by a Camaro with the black package (he was going about 70 in a 50 zone...I caught up to him at the next light)

I don't know...that all black on a Camaro didn't do much for me;


If I was going that route, I'd rather have this one:

It's a Camaro SS with the 1LE Performance Group- upgraded suspension parts and other bits from the ZL1. Funny thing; I looked at seveal at Chevrolet dealerships and each time I asked about a "1LE Camaro" I would receive a slack-jawed deer-in-the-headlights look in response.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

Perceptions are a funny thing. Having grown up with aircraft carrier sized hoods it felt funny driving those "new fangled" cars with a sharply sloping hood. Then recently getting a car with a long hood felt wrong.

A car doesn't have to be practical. Some cars are very practical and that may suit the owners needs. Sometimes you want a car that isn't practical - it is made for fun. A Mustang would make no sense at all to someone who wants to be practical....that's why the make mini vans and Corollas.

I have driven vans and cars that don't have a hood and I don't like the feeling....I feel like I am driving a bus.
Now this is what you call a long hood:




Once I got a rental car and I got upgraded to one of these. You feel on top of the world driving at the time, driving a big Caddie with that huge long hood;



What the heck is that yellow car, a chopped Seville?

As to the bottom red Caddy...been there, done that.

abacomike

We were talking about the Mercury Marquis a week or so ago and how so many older drivers have hung on to these cars for as long as possible since there is really nothing currently on the market to replace the size and floating handling of these big cars. So I decided on my way home this morning to drive into every parking lot at each building complex in my Condo development and count the number of Mercury Marquis's I could find. My total is 81, and that doesn't count those that are already out shopping somewhere or in a doctor's parking lot somewhere. Imagine, 81 of these Marquis's in my development.

We have about 6000+ residents in my gated community, so it doesn't represent a tremendous percentage of cars parked in my community, however these cars haven't been produced in 10 years, give or take a few. So I guess that is considerable if you look at age the of most of these cars.

stickguy

OF, love the rust out on the bottom of your Vandura. Must be nice "flo thru" ventilation!

RoadBurner, you were at a Chevy dealer in Kentucky. You were supposed to be asking about pickup trucks.

roadburner

stickguy said:

RoadBurner, you were at a Chevy dealer in Kentucky. You were supposed to be asking about pickup trucks.

You're probably correct- I'd bet they have the engine options, gear ratios, and towing capacity of every truck memorized. That said, at most of the Ford dealers I've been to they know the Mustang packages and options pretty well...

berri

number of Mercury Marquis's I could find. My total is 81,

Eventually they'll be replaced by Camry's or Impala's.

tjc78

abacomike said:

We were talking about the Mercury Marquis a week or so ago and how so many older drivers have hung on to these cars for as long as possible since there is really nothing currently on the market to replace the size and floating handling of these big cars. So I decided on my way home this morning to drive into every parking lot at each building complex in my Condo development and count the number of Mercury Marquis's I could find. My total is 81, and that doesn't count those that are already out shopping somewhere or in a doctor's parking lot somewhere. Imagine, 81 of these Marquis's in my development.

We have about 6000+ residents in my gated community, so it doesn't represent a tremendous percentage of cars parked in my community, however these cars haven't been produced in 10 years, give or take a few. So I guess that is considerable if you look at age the of most of these cars.

I'm an oddball that in that I'm only 37 and have owned a few MGM's and Town Cars. I love the ride, and comfort these cars give. Ford made that same basic platform last from 1979 - 2011. It really only had two major updates (once in 92, and again in 2003 when they got rack and pinion steering). They are overall very reliable, just powerful enough and came with enough creature comforts to keep people happy.

Ford had no choice but to discontinue them. In order to add the required safety features and bump up FE would have meant major modifcations that I'm sure wouldn't have been profitable in the end.

I currently have an 04 MGM with 99k on the clock. My plans are to keep it a little while longer then replace it with a 2011 Town Car and keep that for a good while. I don't drive enough for the gas mileage to be a problem, and in reality it gets better mileage than our 2015 Enclave anyway.

Funny note, just the other morning I was gassing up at the Wawa close to work and the guy pumping the gas for me (New Jersey's only perk for living here) said they need to make cars like this again "It's Classy".... he couldn't have been more than 19.

berri

I hope at some point buyers start letting the auto companies know they want some style, not over the top ugly nor boring look a like.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

OF, love the rust out on the bottom of your Vandura. Must be nice "flo thru" ventilation!

Now you know why I want out of NY. That Caddy was in the terminal stages of road cancer and that white Buick is starting to lose it's rockers.

I'm pretty sure the snow today (couple inches) has banned the Ford to the Garage for the winter.

No way I'm letting the salt get at "baby".

stickguy

don't worry. supposed to warm up. should be dry soon! I was up your way over the weekend. Was supposed to come home this AM but bailed yesterday instead due to pending ice and crap. Glad I did!

I remember being shocked when I first started to go to Amsterdam (NY, not the good one) and saw how bad the rust was. Hatchbacks with entire hatches rotted out, completely shot rockers and fenders. Rust up the pillars. And it was common, not a rarity. I could never drive a car like that, but the average driver there had different priorities!

driver100

"stickguy" OF, love the rust out on the bottom of your Vandura. Must be nice "flo thru" ventilation!

He's ahead of his time..........those are ventilation ports to cool down his brake pads.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

"stickguy" OF, love the rust out on the bottom of your Vandura. Must be nice "flo thru" ventilation!

He's ahead of his time..........those are ventilation ports to cool down his brake pads.





If I took close up pictures of that van it would make you cry. Given that it's about 28 years old and where it's been driven it's about what you'd expect. I think this is the last year for the old girl. I've been looking at pick-ups down your way. Who knows maybe a trip is in my future especially if the wife isn't serious about trading her PT Cruiser.

driver100

oldfarmer50">

What the heck is that yellow car, a chopped Seville?

As to the bottom red Caddy...been there, done that.

of RE: The chopped Seville,

1976–1979 Seville Convertible Edit

A number of custom coach builders made modifications to the 1975-1979 Seville, to include shortened 2-seat 2-door convertibles, a 2-door convertible with a back seat, a 2-door pickup truck, 2-door coupes, 2- and 4-door lengthened-hood Sevilles with a fake spare tire in each front fender, and a lengthened-wheelbase standard 4-door Seville.

P.S. I like your Caddie. That car had great styling in my opinion...large windows, squared off, good site lines. I got an upgrade to one on a rental once and enjoyed driving it.

abacomike

On my local news channel, the BBB issued the top scams for 2015 as part of an expose on how the scams work.  Of the top 10 scams, I received phone calls from two of them this year:

One involves a threatening phone call from the IRS stating that I was being taken to court for $18,000 in back taxes I owed.  Of course, my response to the fake IRS agent was, "...I guess I'll see you in court!"  He hung up.

The other one has to do with Microsoft telling me my computer has a serious virus and I needed to act quickly.  I asked him how he knew my computer had a virus.  He said his company (supposedly Microsoft) monitors computers using Windows for virus infections.  I responded that I only turn on my computer once ever two weeks, and only for 10-15 minutes at a time - how could he possibly ascertain my computer had a virus?  He said they were a division of Microsoft so they know everything about my computer.  I asked him what kind of computer I owned.  He said they don't keep records on the kind of computer, just that it had a virus.  He said it would cost me $279.00 to clean it up.  So I said I'll use my computer with the virus.  He hung up.

The BBB says mostly elderly people are scammed.  I guess I'm elderly!  

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

On my local news channel, the BBB issued the top scams for 2015 as part of an expose on how the scams work.  Of the top 10 scams, I received phone calls from two of them this year:

One involves a threatening phone call from the IRS stating that I was being taken to court for $18,000 in back taxes I owed.  Of course, my response to the fake IRS agent was, "...I guess I'll see you in court!"  He hung up.

The other one has to do with Microsoft telling me my computer has a serious virus and I needed to act quickly.  I asked him how he knew my computer had a virus.  He said his company (supposedly Microsoft) monitors computers using Windows for virus infections.  I responded that I only turn on my computer once ever two weeks, and only for 10-15 minutes at a time - how could he possibly ascertain my computer had a virus?  He said they were a division of Microsoft so they know everything about my computer.  I asked him what kind of computer I owned.  He said they don't keep records on the kind of computer, just that it had a virus.  He said it would cost me $279.00 to clean it up.  So I said I'll use my computer with the virus.  He hung up.

The BBB says mostly elderly people are scammed.  I guess I'm elderly!  

I received both those calls. I just hung up on the IRS but the Microsoft scammer had the misfortune to get my mentally ill son. He(some guy with an Indian accent) was taken on quite a ride.

stickguy

that is why I don't answer the phone. I work from home, and it pretty much rings all day with robo calls of one kind or another. I just screen them off caller ID.

Farmer, you want a PU? I got one for you! Looks real nice. Miles on one of these is not bad. Price is good.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-1999-chevrolet-silverado_1500-reg_cab_119_0_quote_wb_4wd_ls-used-14537001.html

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

that is why I don't answer the phone. I work from home, and it pretty much rings all day with robo calls of one kind or another. I just screen them off caller ID.

Farmer, you want a PU? I got one for you! Looks real nice. Miles on one of these is not bad. Price is good.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-1999-chevrolet-silverado_1500-reg_cab_119_0_quote_wb_4wd_ls-used-14537001.html

Sweet but too pretty for what I'd use it for. Wouldn't mind driving that one for fun though.

stickguy

so you are a reverse snob? I figure if the price is right, oh well if you slob it up a bit!

besides, if you express interest, it gives me an excuse to go over and check it out!

amazes me how much compacter they were back then. a current version of that truck seems to sit 2' higher, with a massive prow that looks like a bulldozer blade. Must really block vision to the front.

abacomike

I have done a little analysis of the car buyers both on this thread and over on CCBA (I monitor that thread but don't post much).  It seems that there are several types of car buyers:

One type loves to have several cars/trucks in his fleet - and is always looking to add more - a true chronic car buyer and stable owner.

Another type loves to buy new cars - at least one per year - because there is always something coming onto the market that is perceived to be a "must have"!

Another type buys cars but keeps his cars for several years - usually until the new car warranty is about to expire.  But these types are always looking and are usually defenseless if a car catches their fancy and the deal is too good to ignore.

Then, there's the pre-owned only type - never buys a new car, but is in and out of used cars constantly.  This type loves to tinker with his cars as well.

There are a myriad of types of car buyers, but they usually can comfortably fit into one or more of the above categories.  Where do you fit?  

imidazol97

abacomike said:

I have done a little analysis of the car buyers both on this thread and over on CCBA (I monitor that thread but don't post much).  It seems that there are several types of car buyers:

One type loves to have several cars/trucks in his fleet - and is always looking to add more - a true chronic car buyer and stable owner.

Another type loves to buy new cars - at least one per year - because there is always something coming onto the market that is perceived to be a "must have"!

Another type buys cars but keeps his cars for several years - usually until the new car warranty is about to expire.  But these types are always looking and are usually defenseless if a car catches their fancy and the deal is too good to ignore.

Then, there's the pre-owned only type - never buys a new car, but is in and out of used cars constantly.  This type loves to tinker with his cars as well.

There are a myriad of types of car buyers, but they usually can comfortably fit into one or more of the above categories.  Where do you fit?  

Alll knds. All types. I believe a well-loved car salesman summed it up on these forums years back by saying, "There's a butt for every seat." I believe the comment was in reference to some cars in colors that others found off putting or certain options or combinations that were thought hard-to-sell. But someone will come along and can be put in that seat.

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

I have done a little analysis of the car buyers both on this thread and over on CCBA (I monitor that thread but don't post much).  It seems that there are several types of car buyers:

One type loves to have several cars/trucks in his fleet - and is always looking to add more - a true chronic car buyer and stable owner.

Another type loves to buy new cars - at least one per year - because there is always something coming onto the market that is perceived to be a "must have"!

Another type buys cars but keeps his cars for several years - usually until the new car warranty is about to expire.  But these types are always looking and are usually defenseless if a car catches their fancy and the deal is too good to ignore.

Then, there's the pre-owned only type - never buys a new car, but is in and out of used cars constantly.  This type loves to tinker with his cars as well.

There are a myriad of types of car buyers, but they usually can comfortably fit into one or more of the above categories.  Where do you fit?  

Alll knds. All types. I believe a well-loved car salesman summed it up on these forums years back by saying, "There's a butt for every seat." I believe the comment was in reference to some cars in colors that others found off putting or certain options or combinations that were thought hard-to-sell. But someone will come along and can be put in that seat.

Yep!  A car for every buyer and a buyer for every car!  

cdnpinhead

abacomike said:

;Where do you fit?  

You left out my category -- buy a new vehicle and drive it for 100 - 200K miles. A well-chosen car is no less satisfying when it's old than when it was new, unless one is inclined to be distracted by whatever new shiny object comes into view.

abacomike

cdnpinhead said:

;Where do you fit?  

You left out my category -- buy a new vehicle and drive it for 100 - 200K miles. A well-chosen car is no less satisfying when it's old than when it was new, unless one is inclined to be distracted by whatever new shiny object comes into view.

You are correct.  That category is probably the biggest one in the US, but on these threads, a bit rarer.  

suydam

That's my category too. I like to keep up on car info as it helps when I do make a purchase. And I can see what I like without having to own every one. I have dumped cars early if they fell short in some significant way, but not very often.

ab348

stickguy said:

so you are a reverse snob? I figure if the price is right, oh well if you slob it up a bit!

besides, if you express interest, it gives me an excuse to go over and check it out!

amazes me how much compacter they were back then. a current version of that truck seems to sit 2' higher, with a massive prow that looks like a bulldozer blade. Must really block vision to the front.

There is a rental unit up the street from me with 3 apartments and one of the tenants has a Chevy pickup like that - regular cab, short bed, I'm guessing early-1990s vintage, appears to be in good condition. Compared to the current models it looks like a compact.

ab348

abacomike said:

Another type buys cars but keeps his cars for several years - usually until the new car warranty is about to expire.  But these types are always looking and are usually defenseless if a car catches their fancy and the deal is too good to ignore.

This one is definitely me.

abacomike

ab348 said:

Another type buys cars but keeps his cars for several years - usually until the new car warranty is about to expire.  But these types are always looking and are usually defenseless if a car catches their fancy and the deal is too good to ignore.

This one is definitely me.

Driver falls in this category as well.  

carnaught

abacomike said:

We were talking about the Mercury Marquis a week or so ago and how so many older drivers have hung on to these cars for as long as possible.....So I decided on my way home this morning to drive into every parking lot at each building complex in my Condo development and count the number of Mercury Marquis's I could find. My total is 81.......

Mike, glad you're feeling better.

abacomike

@carnaught

Thanks for noticing.  I usually try to walk a little each morning.  I had to get another USB cable so I went to the mall, got one, walked a little, had my car washed, and then got home at noon.  I usually spend the rest of the day in bed because I am so tired and weak.  My doctor gets back next week - I really have to have my meds re-evaluated.  

I understand that it takes 4-8 weeks to recuperate from a heart attack and the stent placement.  I am just not the same as I was before the heart attack.  If this is the best I am going to get, I am in big trouble!

driver100

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

abacomike said:

Another type buys cars but keeps his cars for several years - usually until the new car warranty is about to expire.  But these types are always looking and are usually defenseless if a car catches their fancy and the deal is too good to ignore.

This one is definitely me.

Driver falls in this category as well.  

Thanks, you saved me the trouble of answering....I was just about to do that.

btw....was oldfarmer on that list, multiple cars that make up a diverse fleet?

While I am here, I will post one observation I made today. When I leave the compound...our semi-gated community (gate but no guard) I come to a stop sign. Then I wanted to turn left onto a somewhat busy street, that has a curve to the left and to the right. When it was clear I drove out and went left. Of course, by the time you actually go out a car is coming from the right. Like my wife said at the time, that's the time you really appreciate that extra horsepower. When we entered I-75 I needed the 330 horses (and when entering I go into SPORT MODE) again to stay ahead of the big heard of cars in the right lane.

I am a firm believer that horsepower can give you a big safety advantage if used wisely.